EP1055382A1 - Baby backpack made of flexible cloth and based on ancestral carrying traditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The carrier consists of a basic rectangle (A) of strong fabric with U-shaped cut-outs (1) at its ends forming projections to which chest and waist straps are attached. Shoulder straps (2, 2bis) are fastened to the top of the rectangle, and a headrest (B attached to the middle by self-adhesive strips. The central section of the rectangle is lined, and the top edge adjacent to the rest is padded with foam. The waist and chest straps are fastened by buckles (6, 7), and the carrier has an inner harness (8, 9) support the baby.

Description

The present invention relates to a baby carrier back in fabric, light, devoid of metal frames and inspired by ancestral portage traditions. It allows to carry babies about a month to two years old, sitting 〈〈 on horseback 〉〉 on the back of the carrier, the child's legs raised and resting on the hips of it.

This ancestral carrying method, very practical, is one that best respects the stature and morphology of the mother and her child.

This position is recognized by western pediatricians as being very good for blood circulation in the legs of the baby, as well as for the good support of his back. She avoids by elsewhere dislocations of the hip.

Historically, in many civilizations, babies are carried on their mother's back in this way, in a simple rectangular fabric, tied at the front of the body waist and above the chest.

• Le bébé glisse sur le bas du dos du porteur et se tasse au fond du tissu (d'où l'inconfort pour l'enfant), au fur et à mesure que le porteur marche. Cela nécessite de refaire les noeuds et de repositionner le bébé vers le haut du dos régulièrement.
• Le poids du bébé porte sur la poitrine de la femme, tend à l'affaisser et à la rendre douloureuse. De plus, ce système ne se prête pas à l'anatomie masculine, empêchant les hommes qui le désirent de porter leur bébé sur le dos de cette manière.
• La tête du bébé n'est pas maintenue lorsqu'il est encore nourrisson et ballote lorsqu'il s'endort, ceci quel que soit son âge.

However, this technique has several drawbacks:

• The baby slides on the wearer's lower back and settles at the bottom of the fabric (hence the discomfort for the child), as the wearer walks. This requires re-knotting and repositioning the baby up the back regularly.
• The weight of the baby bears on the woman's chest, tends to lower it and make it painful. In addition, this system does not lend itself to the male anatomy, preventing men who wish to carry their baby on the back in this way.
• The baby's head is not supported when he is still an infant and tosses when he falls asleep, regardless of his age.

The baby carrier according to the invention overcomes these disadvantages.

Here are the characteristics: it consists of a basic structure in resistant fabric made in one piece and partially doubled, unlike patent filing French of May 26, 1999 n ° 9906648 in which the baby carrier was doubled entirely.

From a rectangle of fabric we removed from each side, at the level of its width, the equivalent of a 〈〈 U 〉〉, forming thus two rounded, and allowing to create four bands attachment, including ventral bands which are shortened, unlike patent filing n ° 9906648 in which the four strips were the same length. This facilitates the attachment of the baby carrier at the level of the chest and waist of the wearer.

A bias, replacing the topstitching on the lining presented in patent deposit No. 99 06648, is sewn at the two rounded and reinforces the seams.

This baby carrier has two wide straps, padded in part, adjustable in length and resting on the shoulders of the wearer. They hold the tissue in which the baby is installed, and are connected to the tie bands tied at level of the chest. The baby is therefore kept relatively high on the wearer's back and his weight is no longer on the chest but is distributed over the shoulders and lower back, improving thus the comfort of the wearer and the baby.

The baby carrier is therefore easy to use since it is sufficient to put the straps one by one like a backpack, this whatever the technique used to use the baby carrier.

This baby carrier also has a headrest removable quilted fastening with hook-and-loop straps or any other quick coupler system inside the structure, and thus allowing the child to sleep with the head supported.

Compared to patent filing n ° 9906648, we add tightening straps on the sides which allow the baby carrier to adapt to the size of the baby and that of the carrier, and who explain the need for more top tie bands long. It is therefore suitable for both women and men and in all seasons.

Finally, a strip of foam is sewn into the lining of the baby carrier between the straps to bring at the neck and baby's head for extra comfort.

The invention at this stage will be named in the figures 〈〈 baby carrier in its simple form 〉〉. The following features will give it the name of 〈〈 baby carrier in its shape elaborate 〉〉.

• des moyens de fixation du type boucles à fermeture rapide remplaçant les noeuds traditionnels pour un aspect plus pratique et sécurisant du porte-bébé pour le porteur.
• de matelasser les bandes d'attaches pour éviter notamment d'avoir le ventre serré et libérer la poitrine, et améliorer ainsi le confort du porteur.
• de doubler entièrement le porte-bébé.
• de coudre un harnais à l'intérieur du porte-bébé, qui remplace le système présenté dans le dépôt de brevet n° 9906648, permettant de positionner et attacher l'enfant avant de le mettre sur le dos, afin de lui apporter le maximum de sécurité.

According to more elaborate embodiments, we envisage:

• fastening loops fastening means replacing traditional knots for a more practical and secure appearance of the baby carrier for the carrier.
• padding the fastening strips to avoid in particular having a tight stomach and freeing the chest, and thus improving the wearer's comfort.
• to fully double the baby carrier.
• to sew a harness inside the baby carrier, which replaces the system presented in patent filing n ° 9906648, allowing to position and tie the child before putting him on his back, in order to bring him the maximum security.

This device comprises a double strip of passing fabric between the baby's legs and going up on his belly. Of horizontal seams at regular intervals along the height of the double strip then creates several passages. We do then slide in one of them (depending on the size of the child) a link, which joins another link by a system of loops to quick closure at the belly of the child. The basis of ties are sewn on the inside of the baby carrier on each side at rounding level.

In this embodiment the structure of the baby carrier is made of several pieces: the fastening strips, plus narrow that in simple form are attached to the rectangle by a strong seam.

• Figure 1 : le porte-bébé dans sa forme simple vu de profil.
• Figure 2 : le porte-bébé dans sa forme simple ou élaborée vu de dos.
• Figure 3 : le porte-bébé dans sa forme élaborée vu de face,
• Figure 4 : l'extérieur du porte-bébé déployé dans sa forme simple.
• Figure 5 : l'intérieur du porte-bébé déployé dans sa forme élaborée

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention and represent:

• Figure 1: the baby carrier in its simple form seen in profile.
• Figure 2: the baby carrier in its simple or elaborate form seen from the back.
• Figure 3: the baby carrier in its elaborate form seen from the front,
• Figure 4: the outside of the baby carrier deployed in its simple form.
• Figure 5: the interior of the baby carrier deployed in its elaborate shape

In the detailed explanations which follow, the dimensions are given according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment.

Referring to Figure 4, we see that the baby carrier consists of a basic fabric structure (A + A '+ A ''), 200 cm long on the upper part (A ') and 175 cm long on the lower part (A ''). The rectangle (A), formed by removing the fastening strips (A ', A' '), measure 55 cm wide by 57 cm high.

This structure (A + A '+ A' ') is made in one piece and is doubled at the rectangle (A) to improve its resistance, but keep the fabric flexible at the fastening strips, so that the knots remain easy to make.

A bias (1) is sewn at the two roundings in order to consolidate them and extend to the end of each fastening strips.

The straps (2, 2 bis) passing over the wearer's shoulders are each made up of two parts. The one starting from the front of the shoulder (2) joins the padded from the back (2 bis) with a buckle sliding (3), to make it an adjustable strap. The two parts (2, 2 bis) are wide and sewn at their base on the upper edge of the baby carrier in the lining with a strong topstitching in X.

A removable padded headrest (B), in the shape of a semicircle, and fitted with two Velcro straps or any other quick coupler system, attaches to the inside of the baby carrier on the two other Velcro straps provided for this purpose. between the rear parts of the shoulder straps (2a). Baby's head is thus well maintained.

Two tightening straps (4, 4 bis) are sewn to the outside of the baby carrier on each upper strip (A '), this which is equivalent to a total of four tightening straps, allowing the baby carrier to adapt to the size of the baby and that of the carrier. They each have two parts: one (4) is provided a sliding loop (3 bis) and is sewn by a strong X-stitching on the outside of the baby carrier between the straps (2, 2 bis). The second part (4 bis) is also sewn with a strong stitching in X, on the base of the straps (2), so perpendicular to these. The two parts (4, 4 bis) are join thanks to the sliding loop to form a adjustable tightening strap.

A strip of foam (5) is sewn into the lining between the rear parts of the shoulder straps (2 bis). She permits provide additional comfort at the neck and baby's head.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the structure is made up of several parts: The bands of attachment (A ', A' ') are narrower due to the loops fast closing and are sewn on the part (A) of the baby carrier.

The fastening strips (A ', A' ') are padded. They are provided with a quick-closing buckle at their ends (6, 7) replacing traditional knots. This allows to attach quickly the baby carrier and enhance safety, avoiding the disadvantage of the longer knots which can, in besides, relax.

A harness (C) inside the baby carrier has a double strip of fabric (8, 8 bis) passing between the legs of the baby and going up on its belly. It is sewn on the inside of the baby carrier in the lining thanks to a strong topstitch in X, on the lower edge of the rectangle (A), so centered.

Horizontal seams (8 ter) at regular intervals on the height of the double strip then create several passages allowing to slide in one of them (in depending on the size of the child) a link (9), which joins a other link (9) by a system of quick-closing buckles (10) at the belly of the child. The base of the links is sewn on the inside of the baby carrier on each side at the level of rounded.

Depending on the size of the child, the strip of fabric more or less folds over his belly.

This system facilitates and secures the installation of the baby carrier and the child on the back. Indeed, traditionally, the woman places the baby on his hip, bends and rotates him on his back with one hand while holding it with the other. The baby is "on horseback" on the curved back of its mother, who then place the fabric on it, then tie it over the chest and finally tie it at the waist by passing the fabric under baby's legs.

• soit d'asseoir le bébé attaché au porte-bébé, sur un canapé par exemple, s'asseoir dos à lui, enfiler les bretelles comme un sac à dos et boucler les bandes d'attaches ventrales. Ensuite le porteur se relève, boucle les autres attaches, et ajuste le porte-bébé grâce aux bretelles réglables et aux sangles de resserrage.
• soit de s'inspirer de la technique traditionnelle qui est donc de placer le bébé en étant debout, le dos courbé. L'avantage ici par rapport à la pose traditionnelle est que le bébé ne risque pas la chute puisqu'il est attaché dans le porte-bébé. La pose peut, de plus, s'exécuter sans l'aide d'une personne extérieure.

Thanks to the process cited according to the invention, the carrier attaches the baby to the baby carrier, then depending on the age of the child and the choice of the carrier, it is possible:

• or to sit the baby attached to the baby carrier, on a sofa for example, sit back to him, put on the suspenders like a backpack and fasten the bands of ventral fasteners. Then the carrier gets up, buckles the other fasteners, and adjusts the baby carrier thanks to the adjustable straps and the tightening straps.
• or to draw inspiration from the traditional technique which is therefore to place the baby while standing, back bent. The advantage here compared to the traditional pose is that the baby does not risk the fall since it is attached in the baby carrier. The pose can, moreover, be carried out without the assistance of an outside person.

This reassures parents who are not used to wearing their baby on the back in a traditional way.

In addition, this feature allows the baby to be placed perfectly centered on the fabric and distribute as well evenly the fabric at his legs.

Finally, this interior harness allows you to carry a baby before even that he cannot have his legs spread on the back of the carrier (usually around two or three months). We can therefore carry infants from one month as do African or Chinese women, the legs of the infant in "frog" position. Thanks to the fabric strip going up between his legs, the child is held securely.

The baby backpack in fabric inspired by ancestral carrying traditions is intended for people wishing to carry their child on the back in a simple, practical and comfortable way.
It saves them the disadvantage of conventional back carriers with metal frames which are heavy and bulky. Indeed the baby carrier according to the invention folds and stores in a pouch provided for this purpose, matched to the fabric of the baby carrier.

In addition it can be used in the prone position, which allows to be used from a month, or even from birth. It allows wearers complete freedom of movement, associated with the security provided to the child, provided by the very important close contact mother or father / child.

Claims (6)

Backpack fabric baby carrier to carry babies "on horseback" on the back, legs apart resting on the hips of the carrier, and characterized in that: It is composed of a rectangular base structure (A + A '+ A'') in resistant fabric, made in one piece and lined only on the central part (A) (in order to keep the fabric flexible at the fastening strips), from which the equivalent of a 〈〈 U 〉〉 forming two rounded edges has been removed, making it possible to create four strips which constitute the ventral fastening strips (A ''), whose length has been shortened, and the upper fastening strips (A '), it is provided with two wide straps (2, 2 bis) resting on the shoulders of the carrier, which hold the fabric in which the baby is installed, and which are connected to the fastening bands knotted at chest level, it includes a removable padded headrest (B) which is fixed by hook-and-loop fasteners or any other system of quick attachments, inside the structure at the level of the two other hook-and-loop fasteners provided for this purpose, tightening straps (4, 4 bis) adjustable by means of sliding loops and sewn on the sides of the baby carrier allow the baby carrier to adapt to the size of the child and the carrier, a strip of foam (5) is sewn into the lining at the headrest to provide additional comfort at the baby's neck and head. Baby carrier according to claim 1 characterized in that the straps (2, 2 bis) are adjustable in length thanks to sliding loops. The parts (2 bis) are padded. Baby carrier according to claim 1 characterized in that it includes a consolidation bias (1) sewn at the two rounded 〈〈 U 〉〉 extending to the end of the strips attachment (A ', A' '). Baby carrier according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in what a more elaborate embodiment provides for bands padded fasteners (A 'and A' '), as well as an interior harness (C) allowing the baby to be attached to the baby carrier. Baby carrier according to claim 4 characterized in that the fastening strips (A ', A' '), shorter than in the mode simple realization of the baby carrier, are provided with their ends of fastening means of the buckle type with closure fast. Baby carrier according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that an interior harness (C) has a double strip of fabric (8, 8 bis) passing between the baby's legs and going up on her belly. Horizontal seams (8 ter) at intervals regular on its height allow to slide in one of the passages thus caused (depending on the size of the child), a link (9), which joins another link by a system quick closing buckles (10) at the belly of the child.

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